Let’s face it, we all get a little frustrated and disappointed when people don’t notice or embrace what we’ve written, created, or talked about. Whether it be your own blog, product, or presentation, people may not care and trust may not have been built yet.
I’ve talked about wanting attention before and how it can be a slippery slope, but on the other hand we also need others to notice and interact with what we’ve done, before they become fans or followers.
So, how do we build trust? Do we bombard them with information and overwhelm them with enthusiasm? Trick them? Deceive them? No. It’s all about the Drip, Drip, Drop - that steady stream of value, accumulated overtime, until finally, unexpectedly they become a fan. A true follower, once a skeptic now a believer. Which drip was responsible for convincing them to cross over? No one knows. But each drip, as small and as minuscule as it may seem was part of the flood that they now trust and respect.
The Drip, Drip, Drop requires patience, perseverance, and dedication. You can’t just expect people to latch on and become die hard fans over night. It takes time, commitment and most people give up just before it starts paying off. Seth Godin talks about “Drip, drip, drip goes the Twit” and how it can help you build a strong foundation for something you want to launch in the future. I think it’s a great idea, and that’s partially why I joined Twitter.
One thing we have to remember though is the Drip has to be something great. Nobody wants to read a mediocre blog post, use a worthless product, or listen to a boring presentation. Every single drip must be excellent. After all, a potential fan may just see one drip. That’s it.
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22 Comments, Comment or Ping
paulina1
Nov 9th, 2008
eldevlin (@lilpecan)
That said, don’t look to my blog as an example to emulate what you say here. I haven’t found my message yet and therefore don’t expect an audience.
Thanks for your post.
Nov 9th, 2008
Richard Becker
There are two ways that work hand-in-hand for individuals (it’s different when working for an organization): some become connected because they find you and some become connected because you find them.
The term, followers, is kind of misdefined, especially on service like Twitter. We don’t always know why people follow so it’s not really a measure; it’s the engagement after they follow that makes the difference.
Best,
Rich
Nov 9th, 2008
David Lano
@Eldevlin - I do too. I think it’s sad how so many people give up before anything gains traction. As for your blog - don’t give up. You may not feel like you have a firm foundation…but these things take time. Believe me, I know. :/ Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
@Richard Becker - When I use the term “Followers” I’m not really relating to a follower on Twitter, rather I’m referring to more of a “True Follower”. Not just someone that happens to come along…but someone that’s excited about what you have to say and wants to be an insider. Sorry, I should have clarified this a bit more. Hopefully that helps. :)
Nov 9th, 2008
LaSara
peace, and have an ecstatic day!
-LaSara
Nov 9th, 2008
David Lano
Nov 9th, 2008
Shon
Nov 10th, 2008
Jeremy Mandle
Nov 11th, 2008
Simon Burgess
Good post. And you’re right, it’s all about giving people a taste and getting them to come back for more. It’s what the guys who wrote Creating Customer Evangelists call Napsterizing your product/blog/whatever - giving something for free, links to posts to get them to read what should be well thought out and original. If that’s the case they start coming back for more, then they add you to their RSS feed and your away.
Re Twitter, it’s giving me access to all sorts of blogs (as well as the microblogging that actually happens on Twitter), many of which I won’t necessarily go back to, but blogs that I would almost certainly not have found otherwise, like yours. When I see others recommending blogs I check them out. And I learn a little something from all of them even if I don’t become a regular reader.
I guess what I’m saying is that you’re right on all the above and that if you have good content, you’ll create evangelists who bring you more traffic by recommending you on twitter et al which in turn will help you attract more influencers and widen your reach.
Anyway this is what I hope to do when I start my blog next month and I’ll definitely be coming back to check out future posts - keep posting and I’ll make sure to recommend them.
Thanks for the follow david and anyone else feel free to follow me on @siburgess79 for general thoughts on social media, media, music, films and a bit of everything else.
Nov 11th, 2008
David Lano
@Jeremy Mandle - Sweet, sounds like you have some good ideas. Don’t give up! :)
@Simon Burgess - Absolutely! I just started using Twitter, but have already seen some awesome stuff roll through my Twitter feed.
I really like how you used the term “Evangelists”. That’s right on!
Let me know when you start your blog, I’ll be looking forward to your articles. :)
Nov 11th, 2008
alamo
Nov 11th, 2008
Meredith
Nov 11th, 2008
Sandeep Mancha
Nov 11th, 2008
David Lano
@Meredith - Thank you! You’re absolutely right. The principle can apply to just about anything in life. Similar to Seth Godin’s “Dip” concept: http://tinyurl.com/34anl5
@Sandeep - Thank you! Wow, I can totally relate - like we all need one more cookie cutter marketing ploy! :/
Nov 12th, 2008
AJ Troxell
Nov 12th, 2008
Rob Barrett
I think when I first got serious about my website last year, I was expecting far too much, far too soon. I wasn’t regularly blogging, and really, I wasn’t very active at all in the design community.
Now though, I’m chatting to other designers every day through Twitter, my blog is getting regular additions, and I’m reading and commenting more on design work around the web. It’s working for me. Nothing massive just yet, but I’m noticing the steady increase as I keep on making contributions.
Nov 12th, 2008
John
John
Nov 14th, 2008
blabweb
By the way, Thanks for the follow on twitter :)
Nov 18th, 2008
David Lano
I’ve looked at your latest posts and really enjoy what you have to say. I’ve already told you this in an email….but I’m subscribed to your feed and look forward to your future posts!
@John - Excellent point John. Each drip can actually hurt your following if it’s full of mediocre content. I can’t emphasis enough the important of quality, relevant drips. Well said!
@Blabweb - Thank you! Yes, I totally agree. It seems as though it takes FOREVER to get to that point, but you’re absolutely right. Well worth it in my opinion!
Nov 19th, 2008
Melany Gallant
Nov 21st, 2008
BrokenDoll
Nov 23rd, 2008
David Lano
@Brokendoll - Thanks, and you’re welcome! :)
Nov 24th, 2008
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